The Final Secret

The last story in the Secrets Series

Summary:

Three years after Secrets Unlocked took place, Vindicat is growing stronger and wants to appoint their new leader. Who do they want? Daniel Destler, who was born and raised in the Society before his father took him away.

Hope is in the prime of her career, fighting off the bad guys in the written word of justice.

When Daniel gives in to the bad side as Hope receives her 'Serving Justice Award", how will the dueling siblings, now on opposite sides, make right after their family is once again split apart?

For once, this is a problem not even the crime fighting trio can solve.

Introduction:

The Discussion Room was rarely ever used. But today, five selected people sat around the long table, deep in discussion as they argued the final points of a plan. A very important plan that had been created by the leaders before. A plan that they, the ones left standing, would carry out.

"Think we should pull a Lincoln?"

"Back of the head is a little impersonal, is it not?"

"But look at how it made history. How it caused so many theories-"

"Killing a president, no matter how you do it, is likely to make major history."

"Many think there was a grand conspiracy that went along with the assassination." A new voice offered. "We could prove, in very little time, that in this one, they'd be absolutely correct."

"It's been three years since we were nearly wiped out ourselves. It's time to put our brains together and get a stable plan put together that we're sure will work. It doesn't need to be fancy, as long as the end game is accomplished." Orrick Apollo stated, the current acting leader until a new one could be appointed.

"Arnold Booth is awaiting further direction from us. He asks to see the President privately and does his business there. We've applied him with the proper equipment already. We're to send men to take care of the guards. At the same time, we'll have men placed to take care of the Vice. Then we await for our Leader and address the public." Alexandra Hansen ordered.

Always outspoken, the daughter of the previous leader took command.

"I still vote that we do it somewhere public. A theater, perhaps?"

There was a glimmer in Orrick's eye. "Speaking of theaters...I believe Broadway is in for a surprise..." Clicking on the television in the corner, he turned his attention to the man and woman currently speaking to their public.

The words scrolling at the bottom of the screen stopped all previous talk and turned current aggrivations towards this new distraction.

Hope Connick and Dallen Jude speak out about their new book, their new lives and how the Society behind the Symbolic Murders was brought down with a little help.

"And her...I'm sick of seeing her face everywhere. She'll need to be dealt with soon. And take her partner out too. As for her brother...I'll be seeing to him." Apollo said with a sneer.

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"Look! Hope, Dal, you're missing it!" Daniel shouted from his spot on the sofa, pointing to the television.

Hope, with a bowl of popcorn in her hands and a notebook tucked under her arm, ran to the sofa and plopped down. Dallen followed, jumping over the back and landing between the siblings.

"I think the work that everyone has put in to this is really wonderful. It was a true miracle that justice was able to be served three years ago, and hopefully will continue. My family, friends and partner have all been dedicated to the cause for many years. It's good to see that they can rest in peace now, while we bask in the glory of our victory."

Daniel bit his lip, side glancing over at his sister. "Hope...that was a nice speach and all but..."

"But what?" She asked, her full attention now on him.

"Vindicat isn't going to like it."

"Vindicat is dead." She said firmly.

"No, it's not. You know it's not. We've always said they'd make a comeback-"

"It's been three years without a word."

"They've gone longer in the past. They're waiting to regroup. To be stronger than ever. Then they'll strike the country with vengeous and they won't stop at petty single murders of family members and the elderly."

Her glare narrowed. "What do you know, Daniel?"

"Nothing but how they work."

Dallen looked between the both of them, then shook his head. "Guys, really. None of us know what's going on. Hope, maybe you should refrain some of your enthusasm when speaking in public. Daniel, you have to tell us if you suspect anything or if there's anything you remember...plans...that you heard about while in Vindi."

Daniel looked back at the television, his eyes nearly bulging. That man, in the first row of the crowd...

"Daniel? Agreed?"

He nodded, absentmindedly, still staring in shock at the man who was focused intently on his sister. "Yeah...yeah, agreed."

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